Monty Bennett’s name will not appear on the ballot for the Tarrant Regional Water District board of directors yet he remains a powerful backstage player whose influence could shape the direction of the district’s business for years to come.

Chris Brassard and Omar Diaz had apartments in mind when they built a 12-unit complex on May Street just south of West Magnolia Avenue on Fort Worth’s Near Southside. Then their leasing agent, Will Northern of Northern Realty Group, suggested they consider selling the units as condominiums.

DALLAS (AP) — Texas' oil boom is pumping cash into the state's largest universities, giving them a financial windfall they're using for new construction while also trying to keep tuition affordable.

The Dallas Morning News reports the endowment for the University of Texas and Texas A&M University systems has grown by about 70 percent over the past five years. Gushing oil revenue has put about $1 billion a year into the Permanent University Fund.

That kind of growth been noticed in Austin. Gov. Rick Perry cited the dramatic boost last month when he urged University of Texas System regents not to raise tuition rates.

The board responded by not raising tuition next year for in-state students. The board promised to look for other sources of money that the schools say they need.